Hindustan Zinc has expanded its educational outreach across rural Rajasthan through its flagship Shiksha Sambal initiative, benefiting more than 47,000 students since 2018 through year-round academic support focused on Science, Mathematics and English.

The programme currently supports students across 76 schools in six districts of Rajasthan and recently concluded its ninth summer camp, which provided more than 1,600 students with hands-on learning experiences in STEM, digital technologies, innovation, arts, sports and other co-curricular activities.

Summer Camp Focuses On Experiential Learning

The latest edition of the summer camp combined academic learning with practical exposure to emerging technologies and skill-building activities aimed at improving future readiness among students.

The programme was supported by volunteers from institutions including the University of Delhi and the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, along with company employees and members of local communities.

To ensure learning continues during school vacations, Shiksha Sambal organises month-long residential camps as well as non-residential camps across Ajmer, Bhilwara, Chittorgarh, Rajsamand, Salumbar and Udaipur districts.

Bhavesh Menaria, a student from Government Senior Secondary School, Gawardi in Rajsamand district, said the camp helped him understand the practical application of technology.

“Before attending the camp, STEM learning and digital tools were merely concepts I had only read about. Working on hands-on projects with mentors helped me understand how technology can solve real-world problems,” he said.

Students Highlight Benefits Of Practical Learning

The initiative seeks to equip students with academic knowledge while also developing leadership skills, digital literacy and career awareness.

Preeti Rao from Government Girls Senior Secondary School, Agucha in Bhilwara, said the camp had helped improve several important skills.

“Participating in the camp helped me improve my communication, problem-solving and digital skills. The exposure to new ideas and practical learning experiences has motivated me,” she said.

Hindustan Zinc said the programme combines classroom support with mentoring and targeted interventions to broaden educational opportunities for rural students.

Programme Records Strong Academic Outcomes

The company said the impact of the initiative is reflected in recent academic results.

According to Hindustan Zinc, students supported through Shiksha Sambal recorded a Class 10 board examination pass rate of 92.53 per cent and a Class 12 pass rate of 99.43 per cent in FY26.

The company noted that 37 schools covered under the programme achieved a 100 per cent pass result.

Hindustan Zinc said these outcomes indicate sustained improvements in academic performance and student engagement across participating schools.

Hanshika Verma from Government Senior Secondary School, Putholi in Chittorgarh, credited the programme with helping strengthen her understanding of difficult subjects.

“The additional support helped me strengthen concepts that I struggled with earlier. The guidance and study material provided through Shiksha Sambal gave me the confidence,” she said.

Former Participants Share Success Stories

Former beneficiaries of the programme have also highlighted its long-term impact on their educational journeys.

Mohit Meena, a former student of Tidi Boys Government Senior Secondary School in Zawar, Udaipur, said the programme played a significant role in helping him pursue higher education.

“Shiksha Sambal played a significant role in shaping my journey by strengthening my fundamentals. Today, due to which I am able to pursue my studies from a premier institute like IISER Pune,” he said.

Part Of Wider Community Development Efforts

Hindustan Zinc, a Vedanta Group company and one of the world’s largest integrated zinc producers, said the education initiative forms part of its broader community development strategy.

The company said its social programmes focus on education, skill development, sustainable livelihoods, women’s empowerment, healthcare and environmental conservation.

Hindustan Zinc’s community initiatives currently cover more than 4,100 villages and are aimed at improving the lives of over 2.6 million people.

The company said these efforts are aligned with its 2030 sustainability goals and its commitment to promoting inclusive growth and long-term social impact across communities in Rajasthan.

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